Readers choose regional attractions as top in the nation
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Newport Aquarium have been selected as some of the best places to visit in the country.
As locals, we know that our attractions are the best, but it seems that national visitors agree as well. In two of USA Today’s recent 10best polls, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and the Newport Aquarium were voted top in the country (No. 1 for the zoo and No. 6 for the aquarium). In order to be nominated, zoos had to be AZA accredited and excel in areas of animal care and enrichment while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and visitors. With its variety of species and interactive exhibits, the zoo was a clear winner.
Much like the zoos, to qualify, the best aquariums need to play a role in animal conservation by taking part in rescue efforts and advocating for the environmental health of our oceans. At Newport, there are a variety of educational exhibits and it is home to the first shark ray breeding program in the world.
